Best salon
WINNER: Dylan Bradshaw
There are salons that feel intimidating the minute you walk in, and can make you feel you should be grateful that they've allowed you to spend your money there. Dylan Bradshaw is not one of these. Expensive it may be – a cut with Bradshaw himself costs €120 – but his customers say it is worth every bit for the attention and service. "The upscale service includes make-up and nails, and the welcome is warm which is an important part of his sales pitch," says Brendan Courtney. Customers get invited to fashions shows and get treated to glasses of champagne.
The emphasis is on giving clients a great experience, an escape from the pressures of their everyday lives, Bradshaw explains. "The salon is laid out like a boutique hotel, designed to unveil itself little by little. In here you're never going to feel exposed or get left with your hair soaking wet stuck to your head in a chair under bad lighting and in front of an unflattering mirror. What we offer is a tranquil experience with a level of service that is inspired by good hotel and restaurants of the hospitality sector."
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HIGHLY COMMENDED
Ebano, Unit 4, Ballinteer Shopping Centre, Ballinteer Avenue; Dublin 16, tel: 01-298 7921; ebano.ie
Ebano Ballinteer is a spotless neighbourhood salon that excels at service without succumbing to hard-sell tactics while you're getting a treatment, or asking you where you went on your holidays this year, our secret shopper wrote. "Even the plinky plonk music is understated."